Friday, November 14, 2008

The Sweatsuit Alternative

Last time I posted a sewing boo-boo,the Connie Crawford pants,and as many of you advised,I quickly moved on to the next thing.I purchased this Vogue1020 pattern,the same day as the Connie pattern.I was drawn to the tie front jacket and the pants.The rest is a little too close fitting for my fluffy figure.

I wanted a sweat-suit alternative,because I will throw on sweat pants and a over sized t-shirt to make a run to the grocery store in a heartbeat. It is not a flattering look and when I run into someone I know,I'm usually embarrassed. So I decided to make a few knit pants that are just as comfortable as sweat pants,but look much better. I think I have winner here.
The jacket is a novelty knit from my stash and the pants and top are made of matte jersey from Hancock Fabrics.I used this Butterick 4819 pattern for the t-shirt underneath.I went to the grocery store and work in this outfit and I was comfortable and feeling confident and wouldn't you know it...I didn't run into anyone I knew.
This entire outfit was easy.There are no buttons,zipper or interfacing.Fitting is wasn't a problem because knits are forgiving. I will make all these pieces again. Next time I will pay more attention to the pattern instructions because,I put the ties on the jacket incorrectly.

19 comments:

Amy Bailes said...

You look great, like one of those moms that I look at and wonder how they always look so well put together! Love the jacket.

CraftRage said...

Oh wow! That's a great outfit!

Anonymous said...

I too love sweatpants and large tshirts. I really like your sweatsuit alternative. You look great. Now, I'm going to have to look in my pattern stash to see if I have something similar.

CarlaF - in Atlanta

Faye Lewis said...

I think you really have something to be proud of in this outfit. IT IS DARLING! I really wish I could get my hands on a piece of that knit that you made the jacket from. You look so good in your outfit.

Lesalicious said...

You look nice. I wouldn't even guessed you was just going to the grocery store in that. Great job on the outfit.:) Cute.:)

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Lisa - this is such a flattering outfit on you! I was a little leery when I saw the pattern you chose but it works for you! You should definitely make more of these...

Omega said...

I really like this outfit, what a great alternative to sweats. I know the feeling getting caught not looking your best, especially since we sew. I've done that way too many times. I think I'll have to follow your lead and whip up a couple knit outfits just to run about in.

Adrienne said...

VERY cute!!!

Sheila said...

That is a sharp sweatsuit. You look great and I wouldn't consider it a sweatsuit... You've put a new look into sweatsuits honey! Can I rename it to Chic Sweats...lol

Sherril said...

What a great idea sewing for a quick run to the store. I think I'll steal your idea and sew nice looking lounging outfits for hanging around the house and running errands. I plan on keeping my house thermostat lower this winter because of the cost so warm wear that looks good, what a great idea. I love the colors you chose, they look great on you.

Mariela Alethia said...

I absolutely love it, it looks great on you.

Kelly said...

I think you look fabulous and comfortable in you outfit. Did you use the "Fit for Real People to fit the pattern?

Liana said...

What a great sweatsuit alternative! I've wondered a lot about just what fits into that category, but you have hit on a great and very flattering solution. Definitely make more.

Gwen said...

That does look both classy AND comfortable! Very nice! :)

Tanya said...

I copied off Erica B and made the V1020 top in a grey stretch knit but I'm not to crazy about it, I like the jacket you made a lot better, that's what I love about the sewing blogs seeing everyone's interpretation of a pattern, the creativity is endless.

Cennetta said...

Looking good, Girl. So chic. Love the clean lines. ..,comfort is always a plus.

Anonymous said...

It looks great on you! I too have a fluffy figure and want to try wearing less baggy pants/t-shirts to the grocery store. I'm definately picking up these patterns. Which one did you use for the pants? Are the pants really that easy? No zipper or buttons? They're pull-ons? Also even though I have a serger, I'm afraid I've never used it---it scares me! Can I sew matte jersey on a regular machine? Thanks for any advice!
Jeannie W.

Lisa H. said...

Hello Jeannie.I used The pants that are included in the Vogue 1020 pattern.Yes,they are a very easy and comfortable pull-on style.You can sew matte jersey on a regular machine.Please use a ballpoint needle,size 11 to prevent snags.
Try your serger on different scrap fabrics,some wovens and some knits, until you get familiar with it.Sergers are great.You'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the reply! I'll try the Vogue with matte jersey and let you know! I know that I really should jump in and start with the serger, but there's never enough time. But thanks again!

Jeannie W.